Long Leads U.S. U-17 Squad to FIFA World Cup Bronze Victory
In a standout performance that showcased not only her skill but her leadership, Duke’s very own **Olivia Long** played a pivotal role in helping guide the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team to a third-place finish at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The talented midfielder delivered a string of steady, commanding performances throughout the tournament, culminating in a clutch bronze-medal victory for the team.
Defying the Odds
The hard-earned bronze came as a testament to the resilience and grit demonstrated by Long and her team. The U.S. U-17 squad entered the tournament with high expectations. Although they fell short of the top spot, their journey, marked by riveting games and equally intense competition, was nothing shy of remarkable.
Long proved to be uniquely invaluable in this competitive setting, putting her years of training and experience at Duke on display while helping the United States secure a spot on the podium.
Bronze Medal Showdown
The U.S. team squared off against Germany in the bronze medal match, a rematch against a formidable opponent. After suffering a close defeat to the Germans earlier in the tournament’s group stages, redemption was clearly on the minds of Long and her U.S. teammates. This time, however, the American squad was more than up to the task, prevailing in thrilling fashion.
Long was instrumental throughout the match, covering ground with both her tenacity in defense and creative playmaking in attack. The balance she strikes between aggressive tackling and precision passing is a reflection of her development at Duke as well as her natural soccer IQ.
Key Highlights from the Tournament
Long’s contribution wasn’t limited to just the medal match. Leading up to their bronze triumph, her presence in the U.S. midfield provided the backbone for several key moments throughout the tournament:
A Force in Midfield
Long’s performance at the tournament solidified her reputation as one of the premier players in her category, not just for Team USA but globally. Recognized for her ability to dictate pace and control the flow of the game, Long was constantly in the limelight. Her physical and mental endurance throughout the seven-match span was one for the forever books.
At the heart of her dominance were her exceptional technical skills and a high soccer IQ – traits that have flourished over her years in Duke’s soccer program. Under the tutelage of elite coaching and through competing in one of the nation’s strongest women’s soccer conferences, Long took her game to an international level.
Looking Ahead
Olivia Long’s stellar showing in the 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup has not only given Americans much to celebrate but has also solidified her standing as one of soccer’s brightest young stars. As she returns to collegiate soccer, it will be exciting to see how this experience on one of the world’s largest youth stages enhances her play at Duke.
This is likely just the start for Long. As she continues to hone her game, both for her university and country, Duke soccer fans and U.S. supporters alike will be keeping a close eye on what’s bound to be a promising future filled with accolades, thrills, and plenty more silverware.
Final Thoughts
Long’s impact on the U.S. Under-17 squad’s bronze-medal victory cannot be overstated. Whether directing traffic in the midfield or stepping in at critical moments to block a threatening attack, her leadership and excellence shone across every inch of the field.
For Duke fans, Long’s international success is yet another affirmation of the strength of their soccer program. For the global soccer world, it’s a signal that Olivia Long is a name they ought to get used to.
